Mount Gambier is the largest regional city in South Australia located approximately 450 kilometres south of the capital Adelaide and just 17 kilometres from the Victorian border. It takes its name from the Mount Gambier, a crater sighted in 1800 by Lieutenant James Grant from the survey brig, HMS Lady Nelson, and named for Lord James Gambier, Admiral of the Fleet.

Mount Gambier, a prominent city in the Kanawinka Geopark, is known as the city of craters, lakes, caves and sinkholes. It is known as Australia's most extensive volcanic provincial city. The city sits about 75 meters above sea level and is the regional centre of the Limestone Coast. Visitors will be impressed by the beautifully restored historic buildings. The caves were formed by dissolving limestone. The limestone at the Engelbrecht Cave, below the city's streets, is about 100 metres thick. Thought to be 30 to 40 million years old, it is very popular with cave divers. The Umpherston Sinkhole is probably the most popular attraction and was created when the cave imploded. The floor of the cave now forms the Sunken garden. Another sinkhole, the amazing Cave Gardens in the centre of town, is famous for its roses.

One of Mount Gambier's major tourist attractions is undoubtedly the majestic Blue Lake. It is a unique attraction, situated in an extinct volcanic crater. With its water colour changing from a sombre blue in winter to a brilliant turquoise in summer, Blue Lake is one of the region's most visited attractions. The cause of the transformation of colours has been identified as calcite precipitation. The lake has a 3.5 kilometre circumference and can be enjoyed all year round. You can also take guided tours of the lake.